DCCC celebrates 50 years of education

Excitement filled the gymnasium at Davidson County Community College as faculty, staff and students applauded the institution's 50 years of education.

Daniel Kennedy

DCCC President Dr. Mary Rittling donned a balloon hat for the festive celebration she referred to as a party to commemorate 50 years of education at the college.

DCCC

Joining the celebration from left are Sharon Carter and Ed Greenawald and Bobby Griffey, DCCC faculty and staff; Joe Bennett, mayor of Thomasville; and Teenie Tilley, retired from DCCC.

DAVIDSON COUNTY —

Students collected their books and walked across the lawn to a class in one of four brick buildings. The year was 1963 and a newly-chartered Davidson County Industrial Education Center represented a new and exciting campus with plenteous opportunities for students.
Flash forward 50 years and those students, now alumni, stroll the halls of the institution presently known as Davidson Community College to commemorate a yearlong celebration of the institution's 50th anniversary.
The kick-off celebration was held Jan. 3 inside the Brinkley Gymnasium.
"One thing we do at Davidson is have a great time, and we have a lot of great things to celebrate," said DCCC President Dr. Mary Rittling. "Fifty years ago, something fabulous happened here in Davidson County. Over the next year, we are going to celebrate not only the past of this wonderful institution, but we're also going to look to the future."
A video presentation chronicled the last 50 years of academic and athletic achievement. The informational segment of the program told the story of how civic leaders such as Felix Gee, former president of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and Doak Finch, head of Thomasville Furniture in the 1960s, helped to establish DCCC.
In 2013, the school has retained its newness and abundant resources with the continued expansion of its 97-acre campus situated between the city limits of the county's two largest towns.
"We are excited to begin our year of festivities to celebrate the tremendous growth of DCCC — both in size and academics," said Jenny Varner, vice president of external affairs and executive director of the DCCC Foundation. "It is a remarkable time for the college, and we are eager to continue to move forward during the coming year."
DCCC serves approximately 16,000 students each year through more than 50 curriculum programs. To learn more about the institution, visit www.dccc50.org or the school website at www.davidsonccc.edu.

Staff Writer Daniel Kennedy can be reached at 888-3575, or at kennedy@tvilletimes.com.